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Serum or plasma concentration of albumin (mass concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Albumin is a protein found in your blood that helps maintain fluid balance and supports immune function. Your doctor may check your albumin level to assess how well your body is retaining fluids or to monitor conditions like kidney disease or liver problems.

Quick summary

["Albumin helps keep fluids in your blood vessels and supports your immune system."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
76055-3
Short code
ST Amp L-III
Synonyms
ST Amp L-III
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ekg
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Doctors order albumin tests to evaluate how well your kidneys and liver are working. Low levels may indicate problems like kidney disease, liver failure, malnutrition, or severe infections. High levels might suggest dehydration or certain medical conditions.

What to Expect Before the Test

This test is usually done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s quick. No special preparation is needed unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a general range for healthy adults, but individual ranges can vary. Very low levels may signal health issues that need attention, while very high levels might need further investigation.

Common Conditions Affecting Results

Conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, or infections can change albumin levels. Your doctor will consider your overall health and other test results when interpreting the results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical significance: Albumin levels are critical for diagnosing and managing conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and malnutrition. Low albumin often reflects poor nutritional status or organ dysfunction, while high levels may indicate dehydration or specific metabolic states.

Short name

Albumin Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes low albumin levels?
Low albumin can result from kidney disease, liver problems, malnutrition, severe infections, or conditions that cause excessive protein loss (like burns or kidney dialysis).
What causes high albumin levels?
High albumin levels are less common but may occur with dehydration, certain cancers, or conditions that reduce fluid in tissues (like severe burns).
Can diet affect albumin levels?
Yes, diet plays a role. Poor nutrition (low protein intake) can lower albumin, while balanced protein intake helps maintain normal levels. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes if needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy